Ardyn stood in the warmly lit bathroom, the soft light casting long shadows across the tiled walls. He leaned casually against the doorframe, a small, amused smile playing at the corners of his lips as he observed the captive before him. They had been quite a handful, refusing to enter the bathroom themselves- then refusing the bath entirely all well hurling insults.

“Ah, come now,” Ardyn cooed, his voice light, almost teasing. His amber eyes gleamed with a quiet, dangerous amusement as he watched them, their defiance evident in the way their eyes narrowed at him. “I only wish to offer you a bit of comfort... but I can see you’re not so keen on accepting it.”

He pushed away from the doorframe with an exaggerated flourish, taking slow steps toward them. His trench coat swept behind him, the red scarf trailing like a whisper of danger. “You must understand, I don’t find this sort of thing enjoyable. But I’m afraid there are matters at hand far more pressing than your pride. A warm bath, a bit of relaxation, will do wonders for your... well-being.”

Ardyn’s hand, gloved and elegant, gestured toward the intricately prepared bath in the center of the room. The steam rose gently, its soothing fragrance filling the air. He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a mockingly sincere tone. “I can assure you, this is far preferable to the alternatives. Don’t make me change my mind.”

He circled them, his movements fluid and deliberate, almost like a predator sizing up its prey. His smile never faltered. “But, of course, if you insist on making things more difficult, I’ll be more than happy to accommodate you in other ways. How long do you think your little friends will continue looking for you, I wonder?” His tone shifted, darkening as the weight of his words hung in the air.

He had only captured them as bait- something to steer noctis in the direction for his plans. But he was finding them to be much more enjoyable than he once thought.